Finally... Golf to be Included in Olympics

It was just announced that golf has been included in the 2016 Olympics.

Below are some exerpts from some of the best...

JACK NICKLAUS

This is a great day for the game of golf. I want to congratulate all those who worked and campaigned so passionately over the last couple of years to make this day a reality. It is obvious that the unified voice of golf was not only heard but embraced by the International Olympic Committee. When I was asked last year to be a part of this global effort, I was delighted to be involved because I believe so strongly in our game and what it represents—honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and good will. All of us who have spent our lives playing and enjoying the game of golf fully understand why it deserved a spot on the Olympic program, and now the sport I have always called the greatest game of all can be shared with the rest of the world on the greatest stage in sports.

Tiger Woods

I think it's great for golf.  It's a perfect fit for the Olympics, and I think we are all looking forward to golf getting into the Olympics.

Q.  What would it mean for someone to be a part of the Olympics?

WOODS:  Well, you'd have to ask Olympic athletes.  We as golfers have never had it, so this will be a new experience for golfers who get to participate in the Olympics. Having talked to other athletes who have gotten a chance to experience the Olympics, they have absolutely loved it and had the greatest time.

Phil Mickelson

Everybody is very excited that golf became an Olympic sport, and we are working hard on our games so that over the next six years we are able to make the team and represent our country in the Olympics.

Q.  Growing up, did you ever want to be part of a sport that was part of the Olympic Programme?

MICKELSON:  I think this is important for the game of golf.  It's important for the growth of the game of golf and it's exciting what it will mean on a worldwide level for this great game.  And for us to be able to showcase the game in the Olympics is a unique opportunity.

Anthony Kim

It just means the game is going to grow and it can never hurt to have younger kids playing in the Olympics, and having golf be a part of it, it's going to be a big deal and hopefully it will inspire a bunch of kids from a lot of different countries to take up the game and make the game better.

Q.  What would it mean for you to be part of the Olympics and to represent your country?

KIM:  That's something I haven't really thought about.  It was never an option. But now that it is, it's probably going to be a tremendous honor whenever you get a chance to represent your country, and especially in the Olympics.